It might have a sensible diesel hybrid drivetrain that, supposedly, offers both performance and parsimony, but take a squiz at that out-of-the-world exterior: it's a concept car with emphasis on concept.
-
Adios rule book
Due for an official unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept maintains the hallmarks of what makes a BMW a BMW (the kidney grille, the Hofmeister kink and, hopefully, the high level of performance), but tosses everything else out of the window to create a bizarre amalgamation of M car performance, fuel efficiency and insectoid aesthetics.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Turbo-diesel hybrid powertrain
The Vision is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged and direct injected diesel engine that is supplemented by two electric engines, one at each end.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Internal combustion technology
Direct injection and a variable intake geometry turbocharger help the diesel engine to output 122kW of power and 290Nm of peak torque to the rear wheels through BMW's six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Rear electric motor
The rear electric motor outputs a consistent 25kW of power and is able to reach a peak of up to 38kW. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 290Nm, the power supporting either the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Front electric motor
Meanwhile, a second electric motor at the front axle offers continuous output of 60kW and peak torque of 220Nm.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Total system output
Overall system output is 262kW and peak torque is 800Nm. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is achieved in 4.8 seconds, and top speed is an electronically limited 250km/h.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Fuel economy
Diesels are thrifty vehicles, as are hybrid vehicles. So, it should come as no surprise that this hybrid diesel achieves an average fuel consumption of 3.76L/100km in the EU test cycle and CO² emissions rated at 99g/km.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Low drag design
The vehicle's low, sleek design results in an overall vehicle drag coefficient of just 0.22 (most cars are around the 0.3 mark).
(Credit: BMW)
-
Lightweight composites
The Vision employs a good deal of lightweight composites in its bodywork and its chassis, and the suspension is made completely of lightweight aluminium.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Active front louvres
The Vision can open its louvres to allow airflow to the radiator (as seen here), or close them when cooling is unnecessary, such as when operating under full-electric power, and increase aerodynamic efficiency.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Vents and lights
Out back, the Vision's unorthodox LED tail lamp array integrates into the concept's organic bodywork. Throughout the car ventilation and aerodynamic elements are integrated into the Vision's bodywork and are indiscernible from one another.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Aerodynamic wheel covers
The wheel covers extend over the tyre and feature aerodynamic moulding that reduce the drag generated by the wheel's rotation.
(Credit: BMW)
-
2+2 configuration
The Vision's 2+2 seating configuration offers space for four passengers, albeit highly compromised for the those in the rear. Its clear composite roof and bodywork respond to light by darkening to block out UV rays.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Bug-like doors
BMW says that the Vision's doors open like a bird's, but we think they're more insect-like. The upper hinge of the vertically opening door doubles as the mounting point for the high mounted side-view mirrors.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Clean my slate
The Vision's interior conceals entertainment, navigation and ventilation controls for a very clean look.
(Credit: BMW)
-
BMW ConnectedDrive
This head-up display is located where the instrument cluster would usually be situated. In this shot, the sat nav is operating in 2D mode.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Integrated seat belts
The four bucket seats each feature an integrated safety belt for a clean, uncluttered interior.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Integrated ventilation
Just like the exterior, interior ventilation is integrated into the flowing design of the cabin.
(Credit: BMW)
-
Next-gen iDrive?
A rotary controller is situated on the centre tunnel, just aft of the gear selector. Is this our first peek at the iDrive of the future?
(Credit: BMW)
Add Your Comment 1